Imports flock Australia from firms blacklisted by US over alleged Uyghur forced labour links

Australia has permitted the import of thousands of products from Chinese companies blacklisted by the US over allegations of forced labor linked to the Uyghur minority, The Guardian reported. Since 2020, over 3,300 import declarations have identified these companies as suppliers, with imports peaking in 2023. This includes components for public transport and safety equipment.

Despite the US implementing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in 2021, which prohibits imports from these firms, Australia has not followed suit, raising concerns among advocacy groups. Activists have urged the government to take stronger actions against companies associated with forced labor, citing the significant number of Uyghurs reportedly affected by state-sponsored labor programs in Xinjiang.

Experts estimate that around 1 million individuals have been detained in re-education camps, while an additional 2.6 million may be coerced into labor transfers. Critics argue that Australia’s reliance on its Modern Slavery Act is insufficient compared to measures enacted by other nations. The Chinese government continues to deny allegations of forced labor, labeling them as unfounded.